The Human: The Rule of Three, #3

By Adom Sample

Reality wasn't what it seemed. For me, that day, it would all come crashing down. This world was drowning in secrecy and sorrow. Soon, I'd discover these mysteries. And why those who I'd grown to love wanted me dead.

The High Priestess, Maunia Nguyen, hid a secret the Nocturnus Pinnacle did everything to suppress. The Courting bloodline was real, and I stood at the center of it. The laws of nature were crumbling around me as mystical beings beyond my understanding enticed me to seek a hidden power within myself that could bring down the Supreme Sovereign's tyrannical rule over my people.

All of that, however, would be in vain. Everything I'd suffered would mean nothing in the face of a higher calling granted to me billions of years before my birth. Destiny was beckoning. The voices of the Seraph and the Vampyre would seek our unification. An all-consuming light that would bring the formation of something I never knew existed.

Should I leave this world behind to pursue my fate? Or, should I defy the powers that be to save my world from ruin? The apple was to given to me by the serpent Apep, and with it, a choice. The decision I made would determine the creation or destruction of worlds. It all rested with me—Niya Courting—the Human.

Includes
Book 7: Mystic Beginnings
Book 8: Pagans & Gods
Book 9: Creation of Three

Author's note: This book is a part of the COURTING MOON UNIVERSE. In this series, will you learn the importance of the Courting Moon, the Vampyre gene, and the first Earth all made possible through the will of the Omni. The history and creation of Rule of Three and the ten-mirror multiverse is revealed in this epic three part series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Courting Publishing
• Release date: Jun 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781958205181

Book preview

Mystic Beginnings

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1. Prime-of-Life Ritual

Life wasn’t what it seemed. For me, today, everything I’d ever known would come crushing down. This world was drowning in secrecy. Soon, I’d discover the lies hidden within it, and why everyone around me wanted my death.

It is without malice and with purity of sanctum that we gaze upon the luminescence of the moon—the guiding light for all existence. We must prostrate ourselves before its splendor. For we are the children of Nocturna—we, the chosen, are the only true intelligence in this universe, exclaimed Amelia Lai, the Nu Priestess and second within the Prime Temple. Many Temples housed priestesses and Guardians throughout the world. I was lucky to call the Prime Temple my home, as Nocturnus Pinnacle, or NocPina for short, headed by the Supreme Sovereign, deemed it so.

NocPina was the ruling body over the world, and through their love and kindness, I would become a woman this day. The masses, donning their white silk hooded robes, bowed before the glowing glass scepter held by High Priestess Maunia Nguyen. The moon’s glorious light shone down on the world, illumining the souls of all those who basked in it. Within this Temple, we gave our thanks and blessings. For this was our way of life.

Please, Niya Lunar—approach the altar, said Maunia. The sea of people in the Temple rose from their bowed positions, gazed at me, and smiled. This was to be my moment of sacrament—my Prime-of-Life Ritual. All those entering adulthood must lay waste to their adolescent past so that they could transcend into virtuous maturity. Two priestesses accompanied by the Nu Priestess Amelia made their way toward me, bypassing the crowd. I was nervous, unsure if I was ready. As the three of them advanced, I stood and held my arms outward. With their soothing and graceful touches, they each took one of my hands and guided me to the altar, where High Priestess Maunia waited.

Come to me, my child, she said. Maunia was the most beautiful being I’d ever laid eyes on. Her hair, a long silky light blue, the same color as our moon. Her unblemished skin was as graceful as the sky, and her eyes were a hypnotic gray. She stood tall and voluptuous. Only the most kind, knowledgeable, and beautiful could ascend to the rank of High Priestess, as decreed by the Supreme Sovereign.

I stepped up to the altar, turned around, and took one last glance at the crowd. Every soul in the Temple stared at me with anticipation in their eyes. I tried to keep myself from shaking too much. There was no reason for me to be uneasy. I’d seen rites such as these carried out many times over the years. Even though I was alone in this, I still gave myself over to the gods without reservation. For me, there was no family or friends—all I had was myself. Nevertheless, being alone didn’t bother me at all. As long as I had my sisters, I could endure anything.

We’ve gathered here to present Niya Lunar before the gods as she makes the transition from child to adult. Let this ritual, on her twentieth birthday, see that she chooses to walk the right path toward ascension and be at peace with nature, and Mother Nocturna, announced the High Priestess. Amelia placed her delicate hands on my shoulders. The other two priestesses knelt and removed my shoes. Soon, I would see myself bare before all. The Prime-of-Life Ritual was to be one of honor and pride.

Step into the basin and prostrate yourself, dear, said Amelia. The other two priestesses had already stripped me of my clothing. Pride emanated from the eyes of the crowd. I stepped into the glass tub and got on my knees, shaking with anxiety. Maunia presented above me a large transparent bowl filled to the brim with the sacred waters from the Rivers of Luminescence located near Mt. Laiwa, just outside the Blue Forest. The water’s neon-blue glow was splendid, almost magical. I’d been present at many rituals from the time I could walk. Now, however, being at the center of it far surpassed being a simple spectator. This was my time, and I would fully embrace it.

You kneel this day as Niya Lunar, the girl. As we witness in our mighty Temple before the Nocturnus Pinnacle—your  peers, loved ones, and elders, you will soak in the waters of luminescence and rise as Niya Lunar, the woman, said Maunia. I lifted my head and closed my eyes. Receive the Temple’s sacrament as a blessing from the moon and the Gods of Yakilus. Mark this moment as the day your life truly begins. The High Priestess poured the warm water over my head, and it flowed down my brow, neck, and bosom, covering my entire body. I marveled at the euphoric sensation this blissful liquid bestowed upon my pores. I’d never thought the waters would feel so liberating. Wiping my face, I opened my eyes and smiled widely. All in attendance cheered for me. My rite indeed was a blessed day.

Stand and be welcomed among your peers. This is your day, Niya, said Amelia. The water dripped from my hair and bosom as I took to my feet. Amelia wrapped a warm robe around my body and rubbed my back.

Thank you, I said. She bowed and took a step back, allowing me to exit the basin. Maunia continued with her proclamation of my rite of passage. Removing myself from the presence of the High Priestess, I drew closer to the crowd. One by one, its members gave me warm hugs and kisses on the cheek. I welcomed the affection with sublime tears. I was a woman now, free to set my own path. I’d leave this Temple and forge a life for myself in the great lands near Mt. Laiwa as I’d always dreamed. Restless would be an understatement in describing how I felt about being on my own. I couldn’t wait.

Congratulations. I’m so proud to have seen you grow over the years into the fine young woman you are today, said Amelia from behind me. Surprised, I turned around and met her smiling gaze. I’d thought she would be by the High Priestess while Maunia concluded her sermon. Are you leaving so soon? It’s unwise to leave while the High Priestess speaks. Amelia eyeballed me with a displeased expression.

I removed a strand of hair from the side of my right eye before bowing my head slightly. I was just heading to the baths. I want to get dressed and start packing.

Packing? She gave me a curious glance.

Yes. My time in this Temple has come to its conclusion. After the ritual, a woman is to set a path of self-determination, isn’t she?

She sucked her teeth and placed her hand on my right shoulder. You don’t have to leave right this instant, Niya. No one will stop you if you choose to stay here for a few more months—or even a few years.

I tried to hide my confusion beneath a playful grin. Every woman who’s lived within these walls was expected to leave the day of their ritual. I already have a home chosen.

The soft caress of her hand on my shoulder turned into a clutching grip. You’re different, Niya. The High Priestess would like to extend your stay within this Temple. There’s much to discuss, she said. The smile on her face melted away, replaced by a piercing gaze.

O-okay, I stuttered.

She tugged me closer, tightening her grasp. Good. Now go and get dressed. Maunia and the Apex Parliament would like to have a sit-down with you after the day’s worship.

I clenched the hand she had on my shoulder and pulled it off. The force of her grip had begun to hurt.

The Apex Parliament . . . Why would the parliament want to have a sit-down with me? I asked.

You’ll see when the time comes. Her voice was belligerent.

Of course, Amelia. Please excuse me. I bowed and backed away. This was the first time I’d ever seen her behave so aggressively. Whatever the High Priestess wanted to discuss, it must be important. The baths were located near the back of the room, so I fixed my towel and headed back there. Leaving this Temple and starting my journey as an independent young woman was all I’d had to look forward to for the last three years. I just hoped my sit-down with the High Priestess and the parliament would be brief.

Niya! Come here, quick, whispered a little girl hiding from the masses under a wooden table beyond the crowd. I recognized her from around the open market located a few blocks away. Her face was always dirty, and her hair was mangled and unclean. Despite the lack of hygiene, behind her unkempt appearance was a beautiful child. Why she was hiding from everyone, I had no idea. I parted the crowd toward the back and knelt to get a better view of her.

Please . . . come over here, she whispered again. The women were always placed behind the men within the Temple, thus giving me an unobstructed path to the girl, and she’d piqued my curiosity. Most wouldn’t notice me leaving anyway now that the ritual was complete.

As the masses gave Maunia their full attention, I approached the table the girl was hiding under. Not a soul paid me any mind, and it looked as if Amelia had rejoined the High Priestess near the altar. I tiptoed toward the child as she waved me over with urgency. Hurry, Niya, she said softly. I squatted under the table and made eye contact with her. She smelled of dirt and roses. The unwashed robe the girl had wrapped over her body gave off the peculiar scent. It was as if she’d been slaving away in a garden all day.

Why aren’t you with the other children in the Moonlight’s Prayer room? I asked her. She smiled and ran off, leaving me kneeling alone under the table. What was going on? Before I realized what was happening, someone had wrapped a black bag over my head. Two other people bound my arms and legs and carried me away. I couldn’t make a sound. There was a chemical coating the inside of the bag, causing me to feel lightheaded.

Come . . . This way. We need to get her out of here, someone whispered in haste. I slipped in and out of consciousness as the sedative made its way into my system.

We have her! Put her in the back of the vehicle, and let’s get the hell out of here, I heard a woman say. With my mind weary, I was barely able to keep my eyes open. Hurry, we have to get her to Commander Sarsha. She needs her there unharmed while the moon still shines, the woman said. My eyelids shut, and into slumber I fell.

2. Abduction

The damp smell of water and roses threw me back into consciousness. My abductors had removed the black bag from my head and powdered my nose with a substance that woke me from my chemical-induced sleep. I had no idea where I was or why they’d brought me here. Crystal walls and a stream of shining blue water illuminated the subterranean cave I’d been taken to.

Hello, Niya. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, said a woman dressed in a gold-and-black hooded robe. She knelt and placed her cupped hands into the stream that flowed across from us. After filling both palms with the shining liquid, she splashed herself in the face and removed her hood. You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this day, she said. Her hair was as dark as night, and her skin was pale with hints of blue.

W-who are you? I stuttered. A crowd of masked men emerged from the shadows of the dark burrow, surrounding us. The woman ran her damp hands through her hair and took a deep breath.

Who am I? The question is, who are you? she said without taking a single glance at me. The men removed their masks and sat on the rocks and boulders that made up this enchanting place.

Are you sure she’s the one, Commander? asked one of the men behind her.

The woman dipped her hands in the water again. Unwaveringly sure, she replied. After splashing her face again, she stood and made her way over to me. I was partially lying down on a bed of pebbles, having lost some feeling in my limbs since they’d tied my arms and legs so tightly. She squatted, gazed deep into my eyes, and smiled brazenly. Oh, yes. This is her.

Listen, I’m not sure who you think I am, but if you wanted me to come here, you could’ve just asked.

I’m afraid that’s not a risk we were willing to take. They have eyes everywhere, she said.

Eyes everywhere? The more she spoke, the more I questioned her sanity.

"Who’s they?" I asked.

I’m having a hard time believing this clueless girl is the one we’ve been looking for, said the same man as before.

The woman turned her head to look at him through the side of her eye. Be. Quiet! she scolded. I flinched at her tone. Despite her small size, she commanded respect.

I don’t know who you are or why you’ve brought me here, but I’m sure this is all a big misunderstanding. Just take me back home, and we’ll forget this ever happened, I said. The woman brought her face closer to mine, to the point where our lips almost touched. I couldn’t back away, as my head was already flush with the gravel on the cave’s rocky ground. She climbed on top of me and breathed her cool breath onto my face and neck. I was stunned and at a loss for words.

You poor child. Do you have any idea who you are? she asked.

I fisted the pebbles and rocks I was laid upon, averting my eyes from her. Uh . . . W-whoever you think I am, I can assure you that I’m not that person. I’m nobody. I grew up an orphan in the Prime Temple. The High Priestess raised me. I have no family, no real friends, and no status. I’m nothing, I said. She caressed my hair and gazed into my eyes with a welcoming smile. I hadn’t a clue what was going through her mind, and being honest, I didn’t want to know. This was not how I’d planned my twentieth birthday to turn out. I sat up and crawled to my knees, slowly backing away from her.

Listen to me, Niya. You aren’t who you think you are. There’s a reason you were raised in the Prime Temple, and it has nothing to do with your mother abandoning you, she said.

The mention of my mother sparked my interest. What do you know of my mother?

She turned toward me as I stood up. More than you know.

I dusted myself off and looked around to see if there was an exit I could flee toward if needed. Bright light shone from the opening of the cave. It seemed as if that was the only way in or out. The water stream flowed in the direction of the exit, which served as further proof. Unfortunately, the armed men who’d brought me here were standing directly in the way.

You want to know of your mother? Tell me why that is, the woman said.

What do you mean? Her question confused me.

I’m asking why you care to know about your mother. You’ve never tried to seek her out before. In your twenty years, you’ve never once tried to pursue this knowledge. Why didn’t you ask any of the priestesses? Or go to the Consortium of Antiquity and Data to find out your past? Her voice sounded as if she was irritated. A few of the guards laughed. She shot them a fierce glance, which shut them up quick.

What’s the point of trying to find the person who abandoned me?

You thought you’d been abandoned? And you were never curious as to why? she asked.

I sighed. I don’t dwell on matters I have no control over. That temple has been my home for as long as I can remember, and that’s the end of it, I said.

It appears as if you were correct, Commander. She sounds just like her, said the guard behind her.

Blood bonds can never be mistaken. She’s a mirror image of my sister, the woman said.

S-sister? I gulped.

She chuckled. There’s so much you don’t know—so much you must learn.

I backed away until my left foot landed in the flowing water. Just tell me what’s going on. Why did you bring me here? What is it that you want from me? I asked brashly.

I had to ensure we got you out without the High Priestess’s knowledge. If I’d asked you to come here of your own free will, there’s no doubt they would’ve sent someone to follow you, or worse yet, stopped you from coming at all.

This is my twentieth birthday. I was bound to leave that temple either way.

You thought they were going to let you leave? She smirked.

Of course they were. Why wouldn’t they?

Because of who you are. Her tone became more stern.

And who am I? Who is it you think I am? I crossed my arms and gave her a dismissive look.

The answers you seek lie within the waters at your feet—the same waters used during your ritual. Drink, and you will see.

I gasped. Are you saying that you’ve taken me to Mt. Laiwa?

The guards chuckled. Oh, look, she’s catching on, one of them said sarcastically.

The woman shook her head while gazing at them with squinted eyes. Leave us! All of you. Out of this cave now! she bellowed. Without hesitation, each one of them marched out of the cave, leaving me alone with this woman who claimed to be my relative. I’d get to the bottom of her claims soon enough, however. Her abduction of me left little in the way of trust. After the last of the men made their way out, she stared at me and sighed. As I examined her appearance, I couldn’t help but notice that many of her features mirrored my own. I didn’t want to believe or accept it. As far as I was concerned, whatever family left me on the doorstep of the Prime Temple when I was a